Stamping or labeling machine



May 3, 1932. c. G. MAXWELL STAMPING OR LABELING MACHINE Filed Dec. 18.1930 8 Sheets-Sheet l I N V EN TOR. (Cf/6W4 6;; 6f MflXWtZL W ATTORNEYS.

Ma 3, 1932. I G MAX ELL 1,856,576 Q STAMPING OR LAB ELING MACHINE FiledDec. 18, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIIIIIHHIIIIII IIIIIIH ORNEYS.

STAMPING OR LABELING MACHINE Filed Dec. 18, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 5.fgzf'. 22' I A TTORNEYSa May 3, 1932. c. ca. MAXWELL s'rA'MPiNG ORLABELING MACHINE Filed Dec. 18, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 A TTORNEYS.

y 3, 1932- c. G. MA)-(WELL 1,856,576

STAMPING OR LABELING MACHINE Filed Dec. 18. 1930 a Sheets-Sheet 5 1 4/6jig/a V;

INVENTOR. 63941245 6 Mr7XW4-Z4 A TTORNEYS.

May 3,1932.

C. G. MAXWELL STAMPING OR LABELING MACHINE Filed Dec. 18, 1930 8Sheets-Sheet 6 FJ:i z;. /6. 4%

z 7 Q 21 me X IN V EN TOR.

ATTORNEYS.

M y 3, c. (5.. MAXWELL 1,856,576

STAMPING OR LABELING MACHINE Filed Dec 18, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 7IIIIIIIIIII/ VIII/[III] BY M A TORNEYS May 3, 1932- c. GUMAXWELLSTAMPING OR LABELING MACHINE Filed Dec. 18, 1930 8-Sheets-Sh-eet 8 W 70my IN VEN TOR. 67/141455 6. MflXWfZL A TORNEYS.

Patented May 3, 1932 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 CHARLES G. MAXWELL,OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN CIGAR COMPANY, OF NEW YORK,N.

'Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY STAMPING CB. LABELZNG MACHINEApplication filed December 18, 1930. Serial No. 503,307.

The invention relates to a label affixing machine, and more particularlyto a machine of this type whereby a label may be firmly pressed againstand caused to adhere to a plane surface or surfaces.

In applying and cementing labels to plane surfaces, a proper bondingaction may readily be secured by the use of a squeegee roller, providingthe surface to which the label is to be attached is fairly smooth andregular. There is, however, always the likelihood of slippage of thelabel upon this surface because of the successive application ofpressure to different limited areas of the label. Then applying labelsto irregular surfaces such as cigar boxes, the grain of the wood andirregularity in the surface thereof, makes the application of the labelextremely difficult. In

applying labels tocigar boxes, and by the term label, the end label,internal revenue stamps and the edge binders of such boxes when used aremore particularly referred to. l here is presented the additionalproblem of properly folding the label about the edge of the box andsubjecting portions upon opposite sides of the edge to a pressuretoeffect the sealing of the same upon the box.

lVith the above conditions in mind, the present invention providesalabel afiixing machine whereby a label having the paste or othercementing medium applied thereto, may be pressed into the desiredintimate bonding relation with the surface to which it is to be applied,irrespective of whether this surface,

in its entirety, is on the same plane or whether different portionsthereof extend at an angle one to the other and by which, instead of thepressure bein successively applied to different portions of the label,it is initially applied to an extended area of the label, which area israpidly so extended as to embrace the entire area of the label Withoutrelieving any portion thereof from the cementing pressure.-

.By means of a machine embodying the invention, the label is positivelyheld against slippage during the short interval required for thecompletion of the application of the label to the box or other article.

Vhile there is, a gradual extension of the.

area of application of the pressure, the machine operates with suchrapidity as to be practically instantaneous in its operation.

The construction of the machine is such as to insure an increase of thepressure applied to the label by the presser head with the extension ofthe area of contact of the head with the label.

The initial application of pressure, however, and the manner of applyingthe pressure, is such as to secure an effective sealing of the label tothe object, during the period of extension of the operative area of theapplication of pressure by the head. The label, however, is subjected toa final smoothing and rubbing action by a reversal of the operation ofthe head, but at a very much lesser pressure than is developed duringthe sealing operation.

The machine of the invention is especially useful in the affixing oflabels, as herein defined, about the edge of a container or otherobject.

Preferably, a machine embodying the invention includes therein, inaddition to the presser head, means for applying paste or glue to alabel and advancing the label in relation to the head and to the box orother object to which the label is to be applied and mechanisms by whichthe box or other objects are fed in relation to the label feedingmechanism, and the affixing head. When the presser head is poweractuated, the movements of the various mechanisms co-operating with thehead are so co-ordinated therewith and with each other so as to permitthe operation of the machine at a desired high speed.

The invention consists primarily in a label afiixing machine embodyingtherein a presser head comprising a fitting, oppositely movable arms,pivotably mounted thereon, and a flat expansible member extendingbetween the free ends of said arms; and in such other novel features ofconstruction and combination of parts as are hereinafter set forth anddescribed, and more particularly pointed out in the claims heretoappended.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a side view of the presser head with the parts shown in theirinoperative position Fig. 2 is asimilar view showing the relation ofparts upon the initial application of pressure to a label upon a box;

' Fig. 3 is a view showing therelation of" parts when all parts of thelabel are subjected to pressure;

. the label affixing operation;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the label magazine and parts co-operatingtherewith for withdrawing the labels therefrom, while in their operativeposition, the relation of the gripper 'jaws to the magazine and aportion of the paste pot;

Fig.6 is a similar view showing the mega: zine in elevation with thelabel withdrawing mechanism in its inoperative position;

Fig. 7 is across section of the magazine showing the retaining pins;

Flg. 8 1s a sectional View showing. the rea lation of the labelmagazine, the gripper mechanism, the paste pot and the presser head toeach other;

Fig. 9 is a'detail cross sectional view of.

the magazine showing theadjusting means to accommodate the magazine tolabels of different widths;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a complete machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 11 is a side view thereof;

Fig. 12 is an end view from the right of Figs. 10 and 11;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a fragmentary portion of the machine upon alarger scale adjacent the presser head;

Fig. 13a is a detail sectional view pressure head-actuating mechanism;

Fig. 14 isa horizontal sectional view showing the relation of thevarious operating mechanisms adjacent the presser head;

Fig. 15 is a detail view of the actuating mechanism for the conveyorbelt and for the paste pot rollers; V 7

Fig. 16 is a detail view of the actuating means for the box ejectingmechanism;

Fig. 17 is a detail sectional view of the slide forming a part of thebox ejecting mechanism;

, Fig. 18 is a section on the line 18 of Fig. 17

Fig. 19 is a detail view of the actuating mechanism for the grippers andfor the suction nozzle co-operating with the labelmagazine;

Figs. 20 and 21 are respectively a side view of the and an end view insection of thegripper ac- Fig. 24: is a detail view of the actuatingmechanism for the suction nozzle;

Figs. 25 and 26 are detail sectional views of the conveyor beltmechanism;

Fig. 27 is a detail view of the slip connection, forming a part of thebox ejecting mechanism; a a L Fig. 28 is a detail view of the universalconnection used in diiferent actuating mechanisms; and I Fig. 29 is aplan view of a fragmentary portion of the machine, illustrating theoperation of the box ejecting mechanism.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

, Infthe accompanying drawings the invention is shown as appliedto ahandfed machine embodying therein a presser head and various mechanisms fordelivering the hand fed boxes into and from the operative rela tion tosaid head, for withdrawing labels from a magazine applying pastethereto, and conveying said labels into the operative relation to thebox and to the presser head..

In describing the various mechanisms entering into the machine shown inthe drawings, the presser head will first be described and thisdescription will be followed by a detailed descriptionofthe box feedingmechanism, the gripper mechanism and the label magazine. 7

*Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4 and 8 of the drawings, saidpresser head embodies therein a fitting 30 having pivotally connectedther-ewith'a plurality of oscillatory arms 31 and 32 so mounted uponparallel axes in relation to each other, as to permit them to swing inopposite directions upon the application of pressure to the fitting 30.7

In a machine of the invention, as actually constructed, the arm 31 isrelatively longer than the arm 32 and has its upper end rounded asshown. T he arm 32 is provided with a heel 33 engageable with a stop 34upon the fitting 30, and also engageable with the long arm 31. v

Acted upon by the lower end of the arms 1 31 and 32 is an expansibleband 35 of a width equal to, or greater than, the width of the label inconnection with which the presser head is to be used. Preferably thisband is made of a fairly thick, soft vulcanized, highly elastic rubberso that during the aflixing of a label the material of the band will notonly conform to surface irregularities in the object to which the labelis to be affixed, but will be stretched by the movement of the arms 31and 32 so as to extend the area of application of pressure abovereferred to.

The manner of mounting the arms 31 and 32 permits the use of an endlesselastic band passing about the lower ends of both of said arms, and theupperendof the long arm 31. This arrangement is not essential but isdeband sirable as distributing the stretch of the band throughout aconsiderable length thereof, and avoidin excessive strains upon thatportion of the hand between the lower ends of the arms 31 and 32. Tominimize likelihood of the breakage of the band, or its undue wear fromfriction, by the arms 31 and 32, the lower ends of these arms areforked, as shown more particularly in Fig. 8, and mounted in the fork ofeach arm, is an antifriction roller such as 36 and 37.

The employment of an expansible band permits the extension of thepressure area developed through the head while continuing the pressureapplied to every portion of the lab-elin a manner to avoid any possibleslippage of the label irrespective of the volume of the paste or glueapplied thereto.

The arrangement of the arms 31 and 32 causes the simultaneousapplication of pres sure to the label in opposite directions, which,notwithstanding the friction developed be tween the band and the label,precludes possibility of slippage of the latter. The friction engenderedbetween the band and the label assists in securing the desired firmadhesion between the label and the box or other article, withoutlikelihood of tearing the label which will be firmly held by the banditself.

"2. Furth rmore, the expansion of the band progressively distributes thelongitudinal stresses throughout substantially the entire surface of thelabel with which it contacts and thus limits the duration of theapplication of the stresses upon any part of the label resulting fromsuch frictional engagement.

By using the endless band 35 as described, likelihood of the tearing oflabels is practically eliminated because the stretch of the occursmainly in portions thereof which are not in contact with the label.

The fitting 30 must have reciprocatory movement in relation to thearticle to which a labe. is to be afixed in order to secure the desiredmode of operation of the head as a whole. Preferably, said fitting 30 ismounted in a slotted standard 38 and provided with mechanisms forimparting such reciprocatory movement thereto.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, this operatingmechanism (see Fig. 13) comprises a rocking lever 39 acted upon by ahoused cam 40 carried by the main power shaft 41 of the machine. Saidlever 39 is connected by a link mechanism with the fitting 30. The formof the cam 40 is such as to give the head 30 a rapid reciprocatorymovement and to hold it out of the path of movement of co-operatingparts until it is desired to bring it into action for the purpose ofaflixing a label. The lever 39 is pivoted upon the stud 43.

When the pressure head is power actuated as immediately above described,it is desirable, in order to secure the desired speed of operation inthe machine, to provide automatically acting means for successivelypositioning boxes or other articles in relation to the presser headapplying paste to the labels, and positioning each in relation to a boxas it is brought into operative relation to the head, and removing theboxes from adjacent the head after the label has been affixed thereto.

In the embodiment of the invention shown, the top of the machineadjacent the presser head has a laterally extending channel 44, oneflange of which forms a stop locating the forward edge of the box in theproper position in relation to the presser head. Extending from the topplate of the machine from the channel 44 is a channel member 45 having alaterally flared end shown at 46. Mounted in the channel member 45 is aconveyor belt 47, the forward end of which, in the direction of themovement of the boxes thereby, is spaced from the stop flange of thechannel 44, a distance greater than the width of the box. This is toafford proper clearance for the ejecting mechanisms.

Carried by the main power shaft 41 is a sprocket wheel 48 (see Fig. 15),a chain 49 cooperating with which, passes about a sprocket wheel 50, theshaft of which carries a gear 51 driving the roller 52 of the conveyorbelt 47, and also about a takeup sprocket wheel 53 so as to cause thechain 49 to engage a sprocket wheel 54. The shaft of said wheel 54carries a gear 55 enmeshed with a gear 56 carried by the shaft of pasterollers 57 The idler roller 58 for the conveyor belt (see Fig. 25) isadjacent the flared end 46 of the channel 45.

The shaft 41 is continuously rotated, so that there is a constanttendency of the conveyor belt 47 to impart movement to the boxesthereon, slippage occurring between the belt and the boxes when theoperation of the, machine requires a box to remain stationary.

Gperating in timed relation to the other mechanisms in the machine is abox ejecting mechanism. This mechanism comprises a slide 59 mounted inthe slideways 60 beneath the top of the machine. Said slide 59 at oneend thereof is provided with a vertically reciprocatory finger'61mounted in a suitable bearing in the slide, which bearing is sopositioned as to be below, and out of, the path of movement of the boxesas they are positioned by the conveyor 47. Operative upon the finger 61is a lever 62, having a short arm acted upon by a rocking plate 63pivoted beneath the slide 59 (see Fig. 17). The plate 63 is connected bya link 64 with a bell crank lever 65, one arm of which is connected, bymeans of a universal joint 66, with a link 67, and the other end ofwhich is connected by a universal joint 68 with a lever 69 acted upon bya housed cam 70, carried by the main power shaft 41. Said lever 69 ispivoted upon a tie rod 71. In the length of the link,

67 is a slip connection 72 shown in detail in Fig. 27 V of the drawings.

The reciprocatory finger 61 is used, and the slot of the earn 7 O isformed and set, so that, upon the return movement of the slide 59, saidlinger will be positioned below the boX then being operated upon by thepresser head.

The pasting mechanism comprises merely spaced rollers continuouslyrotated in the usual manner.

At 7 8 is shown a label magazine which consists of cliannelled sideplates 74 and 7 5 held together by means of screw threaded openings inthe base thereof co-operating with oppositely pitched threads 76 and 77upon; an adjusting screw which the width of the magazine may be variedto accommodate it to labels varying in width. Said magazine isdovetailed upon a lug 7 9 projecting from the top plate ofthe machine,andis set at an angle, as shown, to facilitate the withdrawing of thelabels therefrom by a gripper mechanism to be described.

Adjacent the outlet of the magazine are short pins 80 engaging oppositeedges of the lowermost label andnormally prevent ing the forward edge ofthe label from dropping through said outlet. This aids in ensuring thewithdrawal of only one label at a time.

Toward the back of the machine, is provided a spur 81 which penetratessome of the lowerlabels of the stack contained in the magazine andprevents movement of any label excepting that engaged by the gripperaws. 1 A weight 82 forces the stack of labels toward the bottom of themagazine.

Positioned below the outlet opening of the magazine is a reciprocatoryspring rod 83 carrying, at the top thereof, a suction nozzle 84 adaptedto be brought, with the upward movement of the rod 83, in contact withthe lowermost label in the magazine at a pointspaced from the forwardedge of the label so as to afford proper clearance for the action of thegrippers which complete the withdrawing operation. It is desirable tohavethe suction applied along the medial line of the label, and also togrip the label adjacent this line in order to ensure a straight movementof the label. This, of

course, is not essential.

The nozzle 84 is provided with a nipple 85 by which it is connected bymeans of a flexible connection 86, with a suction pump 87, the piston'ofwhich is actuated by means of an eccentric 88 carried by the main powershaft 41 and an ordinary strap and rod connection 89 between thepistonof the suction pump and the eccentric. This pump is of well knownconstruction, and-the setting of the eccentric is such as to cause thedevelopment of a sub-atmospheric pressure at the 78 by means of;

spring mg from the machine top plate.

The lever'91 and'cam 90 are also operative to actuate the gripperopening and closing mechanism which consists of a rock shaft 93 havingtwo crank arms 94 and 95, the first of which functions with the downwardmovement of the suction nozzle 84 to close the gripper jaws, positionedupon the completion of this downward movement to open the gripper jawsupon the completion of the feeding move ment of the label thereby. Theoperation of this mechanism is more fully described hereinafter. It isnoted, however, that the crank arms 94 and 95 are set in differenthorizontal planes, as shown moreparticularly in Fig. 20 of the drawings,the arm 94 being upon the higher plane. Y

The gripper jaw mechanism itself consistsof a slide 96 mounted on waysbeneath the top plate of the machine and carrying a plate 97 projectingthrough a slot in said top plate. Mounted upon this plate 97 is a bellcrank lever 98, one arm of which has connected therewith an actuatingrod 99, and the other arm of which is acted upon by a toggle 100, thefunction of which is to hold the bell crank lever in a position with'thegripper jaws;either open or closed, as the case may be.

The bell crank lever 98 is, carried by a shaft 101 mounted in anelongated bearing 102 having formed thereon fixed gripper jaws 103spaced in relation to each other, as shown more particularly in Fig. 22.This shaft 101 carries movable gripper jaws 104 co-operating with thefixed jaws 103.

T he rod 99 is slidably mounted in the slide 96 and is provided, at thebottom thereof, with a laterally projecting cam 105. The slide 96 isactuated'by means of the rod'106, one arm of which is connectedtherewith and the other arm of which is pivotally connected with arocking lever 107 actuated by a cam 108 carried by the power shaft 41and pivoted upon the tie rod 48. This lever has a long throw, being infact the longest movement of the machine, with the exception ofthe'movement of the slide 59 of the ejecting mechanism:

The crank arms 94 and 95 are spaced apart a distance approximating thefull feeding movement of the ripper slide 96.

Action of the spring toggle in one direcand the other of which is sotion is limited by the stop pin 109 and in the other closing directionby the gripper aws.

The paste pot is shown at 110.

Power is applied to the shaft 41 by means of the motor 111 and a beltand pulley connection 112, said shaft also being provided with a handwheel 113 by means of which the machine may be hand operated or hand setpreparatory to power operation.

It will be noted that all of the cams applying power to the differentco-operating mechanisms are mounted upon the same shaft, thus ensuringabsolute accuracy in the timing of the different operations, which isessential with a high speed machine.

The slip connection arranged in the length of the rod 67, as shown inFig. 27 of the drawings, comprises a socket member 114 having mountedthereon a spring pressed plunger 115, having a rounded end fitting agroove in the rod 67. I

The universal connection shown in Fig. 28 of the drawings consists ofopposed socket members 116 and 117 carried by a sleeve 118, which socketmembers are adapted to receive a ball formed upon the end of the levercooperating with this universal connection. Such auniversal joint formsa part of the link connection 119 between the lever 91 and the arm 94.The connections 66 and 68 are of the same construction.

In the accompanying drawings, the construction of the machine is such asto adapt it to the aliixing of labels upon cigar boxes which are shownat 120. The labels are shown at 121.

In describing the operation of the machine, reference will be madeparticularly to the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings,although it is obvious that this is subject to a wide range of variationto adapt the machine to use upon different objects of different shapesand sizes.

Cigar boxes 120 are fed by hand, or in any other desired manner, to theconveyor belt 47, the boxes accumulating upon this belt and beingadvanced along the channel 45 until the forward box engages the flangeof the channel 44 with its forward edge properly positioned below thepresser head, as shown more particularly in Fig. 1 of'the drawings.

Before starting the run of the machine, the channel 45 should be sofilled with boxes as to avoid the possibility of wastage as a result ofthe feeding and pasting of the labels without applying them to a box.

WVith each full rotation of the power shaft 41, there is a sequence ofoperations, parts of some of which occur concurrently. The full cycle ofoperation of the machine is substantially as follows Vhen the machine isat rest, the suction nozzle 84 is in its lowermost position, the pistonof the suction pump 87 is in its uppermost position, the slide 96 is atthe extreme limit of its movement away from the presser ead, and theslide 59 of the ejector mechanism is spaced from, but adjacent one sideflange of the channel 45. With the parts in such a position, the bellcrank lever 98 is in the position shown in Fig. 20, the spring toggle100 and the stop pins 109 holding this lever in this position with themovable gripper jaws 104 spaced away from the fixed gripper jaws 103.With the continued movement of the shaft 41, the slide 96 is advancedtoward the presser head, with the gripper jaws in the open position.During this movement, the rod 83 is raised so as to suction nozzle 84within the operative range of the lowermost label in the label magazine,and the slide 59 continues its movement toward the flange of the channel45 until it has passed the box below the presser head. The elongatedbearing 102, during movement of slide 96, passes over the top of the-boxAs the gripper jaws approach the magazine, the direction of movement ofthe rod 83 and its suction nozzle 84 is reversed. Prior to thisreversal, however, the pump 87 has been actuated to develop sufficientsub-atmospheric pressure to cause downward movement of the suctionnozzle to withdraw the forward edge of the lowermost label through theouter opening in the pump of the magazine. During this downwardmovement, the gripper jaws span the edge of the label and the cam 105 ispositioned beneath the arm 94, so that with a continued downwardmovement of the spring rod 83. the bell crank lever 98 is actuated bythe rod 99 to close the gripper jaws upon the label, movement of thespring toggle 100 yieldably holding the jaws closed. Substantiallysimultaneously with this closing of the gripper jaws, the suction pump87 is reversed forcing air from the nozzle 84 in a manner to separatethe label from the nozzle. The action of the suction nozzle draws alabel 121 from the magazine, causing the curling of the edges thereof ina manner to pass the pins 80. the spur 81, however, preventing anysliding movement of the label.

The form of the gripper jaws is such as to give a slight'upward turn tothe forward edge of the label 121, as shown more particularly in Fig. 6,so as to avoid application of paste to the top surface of the label.gripper aws engage the forward edge of the label, the direction ofmovement of the slide 96 is reversed, the grip of the jaws upon thelabel being sufficiently strong to pull the label from the the action ofthe spur 81. This spur, however, will grip the label next above thatwhich is being withdrawn by the grippers, and thus limit the action ofthe grippers to the withdrawal of a single label. In passing the 3'bring the After the magazine, notwithstanding paste rollers 57 ,paste isapplied tothe under a 7 side of the, label.

bring the presser head into its operative relation to the label 121withdrawn from the magazine .as above described, and cause its actuationin a manner to affix the label to the box or other object. Substantiallysimultaneously with the engagement of the band 35 withthe label,the cam105 engages the crank 95 and thus rocks the bell crank lever 98 in amanner to open the gripper jaws and cause them to release the label,which at this time is held in position in relation to the box or otherobject by the engagement of the band therewith.

The operation short operation,

of the presser head is a very and immediately following, the returnmovement of the. presser head, sufficient to disengage it from thelabel, the lever 69 is actuated to rock the lever 65 and move the slide59 transversely of the channel and along the channel 46 so as to movethe box or other object from below the presser head. As power is appliedto the lever 65, its initial oscillation will rock the plate 63 and thusoscillate the lever62 in a manner to raise the pin 61 above thetop plateof the machine into a position where it will engage the end of the boxor other object. The movement of the slide is suflicient to provideclearance at the end of the channel 15 for the succeeding box or otherobject, which is immediately advanced to beneath the presser head-by theconveyor belt. Upon the reversal of the direction of movement of thelever 65, the plate 63 receives a reverse rocking movement which throughthe lever 62 draws the finger 61 to its normal position below the planeof the top plate, thus permitting a return reciprocatory movement of theslide 59 without interfering with the feeding movement of the boxes orother objects by the conveyor belt.

With each revolution of the. shaft 41, the

. above cycle of operation is repeated, a label being affixed to a boxwith each rotation of the shaft 41. V

Having described the operation of the machine shown in the drawings, inits entirety, there will now follow a description in detail of theoperation of the presser head.

Referring more particularlyto Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, it will benoted that the presser head remains in its inoperative, elevatedposition until the label has been by the gripper'jaws and positioned inrelation to the box, as shown in these figures.

Substantially simultaneously with the point.

. .desirabl fed parts reaching the position shown in Fig. 1, the plate30 is moved rapidly downward.

It will be noted that the lower end of the short arm 32, in theembodiment of the invention shown, is in advance of the lower .end ofthe long arm 31, and that the periphery of the roller extends slightlybeyond the vertical side of the box; Consequently, the portion of theexpansible band 35 adjacent the roller 37 engages the label at thecorner. of

the box.

Since the band '35 is of. soft vulcanized, fairlyheavy, elastic rubber,it will not only grip the label firmly at the corner of the box, butwill be compressed in a manner to instantly conform to the edge of thebox and apply a heavy pressure tothe label at this VVitha slightcontinued downward movement of the presser head, the arm 32 is rocked.slightly about its pivot so as to allow the roller 37 to pass the edgeof the box. This will occur substantially simultaneously with theengagement of the band 35 passing about the lower end ofithe longarm 31with the label at a point more or. less remote from the edge of the box.I

Following the engagement of the band at the lower end of the arm 31'with the label,

there is a rapid separation of the arms 31 and 32 resulting'in stretchof the hand without, however, any sliding'movement thereof in relationto the label beyond that incidental to the stretching action thereof.This will be distributed throughout the entire length of thebandoperative upon the label, and thus be reduced to a minimum withoutpossibility of concentration of strains at any point of the label.Theinitial engagement of the band 35 with the label is throughout a.limited area. With the continued descent of the presser head,however,and the movement 'ofthe arms and 32, the area of contact isprogressively increased, and yet at all times allportions of the labelwith which the band has contacted are subjected to a continuing pressurefrom the band.

The elasticity of the portion of the band between the lower ends of thearms 31 and 32 develops sufficient pressure to ensure a desired intimatecontact between the band and the label. The resiliency of the materialof the band,'howevcr, causes it to conform to all irregularities in thesurface of the box and force the label within such irrgularities.

The band has a normal tendency to restore and maintain the arms to theirnormal position, as shown in Figsl and 4, and is the only means employedfor this purpose, although if desired additional'means may be employed,although such is not necessary nor To secure this condition the band isplaced under slight stretchin applying it to the head. In fact, by usingan endless band in the manner shown, a quick replacement of therein apresser head parallel axes,

the band may be made in the event of its breakage or of its becomingsoiled as a result of extrusion of paste about the edges of the label.

The use'of the endless band is preferable for the above reasons as wellas for the reason that during the separation of the arms 81 and 32slippage may occur between the rollers 36 and 37 and the band, in amanner to distribute the stretch throughout all portions of the band andthus reduce the quantity of movement 01" any portion of the band inrelation to the label, or the rubbing efifect resulting from theexpansion of the band.

The quantity of stretch of the band is not sufiicient to develop anymaterial lateral stresses upon the label as a result of the at tenuationof the band due to its longitudinal stretch.

This tendency of the portion of the band passing about the lower ends ofthe arms 31 and 32 to close the arms will continue upon the reversal ofthe direction of movement of the presser head, thus maintaining the bandin engagement with the label until the position or" parts has returnedto that shown in Fig. 2, whereupon the allixing of the label iscompleted.

It will be noted that, except upon the initial application or" pressureby the arm 32 for setting the label in relation to the box or otherarticle, the pressure developed results from the resistance to movementof the arms 31 and 32 by the expansion of the bane 35. Hence thedeveloped pressure may be con trolled by the degree of resiliencyinherent to said band 35.

The essential element of the machine herein described is the presserhead mechanism, and it is intended to cl im such broadly.

It is not the intention of the inventor to limit the invention to theprecise details of construction shown in the drawings, it being apparentthat such may be varied without departing from' the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired tohave protected byLetters Patent, is

l. A label ailixing machine embodying comprising a fitting, a long and ashort arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting to have movement aboutparallel axes, a flat expansible and contractible member extendingbetween the free ends of said arms, and a stop member opera-tive uponone of said arms for establishing a normal inoperative relative position01"- both of said arms.

2. A label ai'lixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, a long and a short arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting tohave movement about a band of thick, soft vulcanized, highly elasticrubber extending between the free ends of said arms, and a stop memberoperative upon one of said arms for establishing a normal inoperativerelative position of both of said arms.

3. A label allixing machine therein a presser head comprising a fitting,a long and a short arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting to havemovement about parallel axes, an endless thick elastic band passingabout both of said arms and extend ing between the free ends thereof,and a stop member operative upon one of said arms for establishing anormal inoperative relative position of both of said arms.

4. A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, a long and a short arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting tohave movement about parallel axes, a flat expansible and contractiblemember extending between the free ends of said arms, a stop carried bysaid fitting, and a heel carried by said short arm in en gageablerelation with said stop and with said long arm.

5. A label a-h'ixing therein a presser head comprising a fitting, a longand a short arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting to have movementabout parallel axes, the arms being forked, a roller mounted in theforked end of each arm, an endless, thick elastic band passing aboutboth of said arms and between both of said rollers, and a stop memberoperative upon one of said arms for establishing a normal inoperativerelative posit-ion of both of said arms.

6. A label afilxing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted thereon, a flatexpansible member extending between the free ends of said arms, afeeding mechanism for delivering objects to be labeled properlypositioned in relation to said presser head, a magazine, a grippermechanism operative to remove labels from said magazine, subject them tosaid pasting mechanism and deliver them in the operative relation tosaid presser head, and ejecting means operative to remove objects fromthe operative relation to said presser head after labels have beenapplied thereto.

7 A label ai'iixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted thereon, a flatexpansible member extending between the free ends of said arms, afeeding, mechanism for delivering objects to be labeled properlypositioned in relation to said presser head, a pasting mechanism, alabel magazine set at an angle and having an outlet through the bottomthereof, a reciprocatory suction nozzle, means alternately creatingsubatmospheric pressure in said nozzle and relieving such pressure, areciprocatory gripembodying N machine embodying lower end of each ofsaid pasting mechanism, a label 1 J.- for completing per mechanismco-operating with said nozzle subject them to said pasting mechanism anddeliver them in the operative relation. to said presser head, andejecting means operative to .remove objects from the said magazine,

' j operative relation to said presser head after upon said thereon, arock shaft labels have been applied thereto.

' 8. A label affixing. machine embodying therein a presser headcomprising a fitting, oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted thereon,a fiat expansible member extending between the free ends of said arms, afeeding mechanism for delivering objects to be labeled properlypositioned in relation to said presser head, a pasting. mechanism, alabel magazine, a slide having an upwardly projecting plate, a laterallyextending bearing carried by said plate having fixed gripperjaws formedthereon, a shaft mounted in said hearing carrying gripper jawsco-operating with said other gripper jaws, means operative gripper jawshaft including a reciprocatory rod having a projecting cam havingcranlr arms set upon different horizontal planes-and so spaced as to beoperative upon said cam to cause a timely closing and opening of thegripper aws, means imparting timely movement to sad rock shaft, andejecting means operative to'remove objects from the operative relationto said presser head after labels have been applied thereto.

9. A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting,

oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted thereon, a flat expansiblemember extending between the freeends of said arms, a feeding Imechanism for delivering objects to be labeled properly positioned inrelation to said presser head, a pasting mechanism, a label magaine setlet through the bottom thereof, a reciprocatory suction nozzle, meansalternately creating subatmospheric pressure in said nozzle andrelieving such pressure, a slide having an upwardly projecting plate, alaterally extending bearing carried by said plate having fixed gripperaws formed thereon,'a shaft mounted in said bearing carrying gripperjaws co-operating with said other gripper jaws, means operative uponsaid gripper jaw shaft including a reciprocatory rod having a projectingcam thereon, a rock shaft having crank arms set upon differenthorizontal planes and so spaced as to be operative upon said cam tocause a timely closing and opening of the gripper jaws, means impartingti mely' movement to said rock shaft, and ejecting means operative toremove objects from the operative relation to said presser head afterlabels have been applied thereto.

10. A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted the withdrawal oflabels from at an angle and having an outextending thereon, aflatexpansible member a chanbetween the free ends of said arms,

inel extending transversely of the machine, a

second channel communicating with said First named channel and extendinglongitudinally of the machine, a conveyor mechanism including a belt insaid last named channel, whereby a plurality of objects to be labeledmay be accumulated, and delivered, one at a time,

in the operative relation to said presser head,

a pasting mechanism, a label magazine, a gripper mechanism operativetoremove labels from said magazine, sub ect them to sald pastingmechanism and deliver them in the. to said presser head, and

operative relation ejecting means operative to move objects, after theyhave been labeled, along saidtransverse channel and out of the path ofmovement of other'objects in said longitudinally extending channel.

. 11. A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser headcomprising a fitting, oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted thereon,a flat expansible member extending between the free ends of said arms, achannel mounted in said slide and adapted to be proj ected intoengagement with an object positioned 1n the operativerelation tosaid-presser head, a lever operatlve upon said finger, a

rocking plate carried by said slide in engaging relation with saidfinger, and a link and lever mechanism operative uponsaid slide I andsaid finger through said rocking plate,

whereby after they have been labeled, objects will be moved along saidtransverse channel and out of the path of movement of other objects insaid longitudinally extending channel. g

12. A label aflixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting,

a long and a short arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting to havemovement about parallel axes, a fiat expansible and, contractible memberextending between the free ends of said arms,a stop member operativeupon one of said arms for establishing a normal inoperative relativeposition of both of said. arms, a feeding mechanism for deliver- 7 ingobjects to be labeled properly positioned in relation to said presserhead, a pasting mechanism, a label magazine, a 'gripperi mechanismoperative to remove labels from said magazine, subject them to saidpasting mechanism and deliver them in the operative relation to saidpresser head, and ejecting means operative to remove objects from theoperative relation to said presser head after labels have been appliedthereto.

13. A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, oppositely movable arms pivotally mounted thereon, a flatexpansiblc member extending between the free ends of said arms, afeeding mechanism for delivering objects to be labeled properlypositioned in relation to said presser head, a pasting mechanism, alabel magazine, a slide having an upwardly projecting plate, a.laterally extending bearing carried by said plate having fixed gripperjaws formed thereon, a shaft mounted in said bearing carrying gripperjaws cooperating with said other gripper jaws, a. bell crank levercarried by said shaft, a spring toggle mounted upon said upwardlyextending plate and operative upon said bell crank lever, a rodpivotally connected with said bell crank lever and having a laterallyprojecting cam, a rock shaft having crank arms set upon differenthorizontal planes and so spaced as to be operative upon said cam tocause a timely closing and opening of the gripper jaws, means impartingtimely movement to said rock shaft and ejecting means operative toremove objects from the operative relation to said presser head afterlabels have been applied thereto.

14;. A label aiiixing machine embodying therein a presser headcomprising a fitting, a long and a short arm pivotally mounted upon saidfitting to have movement about parallel axes, a band of thick, softvulcanized, highly elastic rubber extending between the free ends ofsaid arms, a stop member operative upon one of said arms forestablishing a normal inoperative relative position of both of saidarms, a feeding mechanism for delivering objects to be labeled properlypositioned in relation to said presser head, a pasting mechanism, alabel magazine, a gripper mechanism operative to remove labels from saidmagazine, subject them to said pasting mechanism and deliver them in theoperative relation to said presser head, and ejecting means operative toremove objects from the operative relation to said presser headafterlabels have been applied thereto.

15. A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser head comprisinga fitting, a long and a short arm pivotally mounted upon said fitting tohave movement about parallel axes, an endless thick elastic band passingabout both of said arms and extending between the free ends thereof, astop member operative upon one of said arms for establishing a normalinoperative relative position of both of said arms, a feeding mechanismfor delivering objects to be labeled properly positioned in relation tosaid presser head, a pasting. mechanism, a label magazine, a grippermechanism operative to remove labels from said magazine, subject them tosaid pasting mechanism and deliver them in theonerative relation to,said presser head, and ejecting means operative to remove objects fromthe operative relation to said presser head after. labels have beenapplied thereto.

'16. 'A label affixing machine embodying therein a presser l1ead,'a longand a short arm pivotallymounted upon said head to have movement aboutparallel axes, and an endless relatively thick elastic band completelysurrounding both of said arms and extending between the free endsthereof, normally tending to hold the arms in substantially parallelrelation but permitting them to separate relative to one another.

17. A label afi'ixing machine embodying therein a reciprocatory presserhead, a pair of arms each pivotally mounted on said head with the end ofone arm in advance of the other and the free ends of both arms movabletoward and from each other, and a fiat strip of soft rubber overlyingthe free ends of said arms and normally tending to hold them insubstantially parallel relation.

18. A label afiixing machine embodying therein a reciprocating presserhead, a pair of arms each pivotally mounted on said head with their freeends extending forward thereof, and a band of thick, soft vulcanizedhighly elastic rubber overlying and surrounding the free ends of saidarms and normally tending to hold them in substantially parallelrelation.

19. A label afiixing machine, embodying a reciprocating head, a pair ofarms each pivotally mounted upon said head with their free ends movabletoward and from each other, an endless band of soft rubber completelysurrounding said arms and normally tending to hold them in substantiallyparallel relation, and a support for an article to be labeled located inthe path of movement of the said head and arms, the construction andarrangement of parts being such that the said arms will spread andstretch the said band when the latter makes pressure contact with thelabel during label application.

20. A label afiixing machine embodying a reciprocating head, a pair ofarms each pivotally mounted thereon and each normally inclined to thepath of movement of the head, and a soft rubber strip extending betweenand overlying the ends of the arms and normally tending to hold them insubstantially parallel relation, but permitting them to spread uponcontact with the label during label application.

21. A label affixing machine embodying a reciprocating head, a pair ofarms each pivot ally . clined to the path of movement of the head andwith the end of one arm slightly in adl Vance of the end of theother,'and a soft rubber strip extending between and overlying theendsof the arms and normally tending to hold them in .substantiallyparallelrelation, but permitting them to spread upon contact With the labelduring label application.

Philadephiav and State vof Pennsylvania,

CHAS. G. MAXWELL.

mounted thereon and each normally in- Signed at Philadelphia in thecounty of r

